The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh has announced ‘Disaster Response Medal’ to the forces involved in Disaster Management. The Minister witnessed the demonstration made by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the India International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan, here today. The Minister mentioned that the NDRF and the NDMA are the nodal agencies of the Government and their contribution in checking the manmade and natural disasters is commendable. The Minister also applauded the NDRF for their commendable role towards making India a “Disaster Resilient” Nation.
The NDRF is a specialized multi skilled, humanitarian force of the country to provide immediate response in the event of disasters. The NDRF came into existence on January 19, 2006 and since its inception, it has been playing vital role in Disaster Management and Community Awareness for disaster risk reduction in the country. It has proved its mettle in the field of disaster rescue and relief operations. Apart from rescue operations, NDRF is also proactively involved in community capacity building for disaster response and imparting training to State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The NDRF along with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has organised an Exhibition at Hall No.12 in Pragati Maidan to showcase disaster management in India and various latest rescue and recovery equipment being used in various rescue operations by NDRF. Today, NDRF organized an impressive demonstration in earthquake scenario at IITF 2014 in Hamsadhwani open air Theatre. The NDRF rescuers displayed their capabilities by demonstrating a Mock earthquake rescue operation drill in front of cross section of society, especially for school children form various schools of Delhi & NCR in order to create general awareness in case of an earthquake.The demonstration presented different aspects of response by NDRF in earthquake or collapsed structure scenario. Multitudes from different organizations, various ministries, NDMA, NIDM, CPOs, media persons and school children witnessed the NDRF demonstration.O.P. Singh, Director General, NDRF welcomed the forum and highlighted the role of NDRF in making India disaster resilient and gave insight of important operations conducted by the Force during this year. Shri R.K. Jain Secretary, NDMA also spoke on the occasion.
During current year, NDRF responded to the fury of flood in Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir building collapse incidents in Pune (MH), Chennai(TN), Ernakulam (Kerala) and Gorakhpur (UP), train accidents in Chapra (Bihar), Sant Kabirnagar (UP), Morigaon (Assam) and Thane (MH), landslide operations in Pune (MH), Kamrup (Assam) and Ramthong (Assam) besides, provided coverage in mass gathering events like Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Ganga Snan festival at Varansshi, Chhat Puja and other happenings and saved more than 1,09,700 live.
So far, NDRF has saved more than 4,21,885 persons and retrieved more than 1924 bodies in various recuse and relief operations across the country. To uphold its motto “Aapda Sewa Sadaiv” the brave rescuers of this unique humanitarian force are always ready to serve Society and Nation. The demonstration was also attended by Shri P.K Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Directors General of Para Military Forces and Senior officers of the NDMA and the MHA.